BEN HOLLIOAKE claimed the crucial breakthrough for England to hinder Zimbabwe's progress towards a competitive total in today's final one-day international at the Queen's Sports Club.

The Surrey all-rounder captured the vital scalp of Andy Flower after he had forged a determined partnership with brother Grant which threatened to steer Zimbabwe out of trouble after the loss of two early wickets.

Hollioake's success helped England restrict Zimbabwe to 98 for three at the halfway stage of their innings - their lowest 25 overs total of the series - despite Grant's unbeaten 53.

Aiming to wrap up a 5-0 series triumph, England made four changes to the side that completed a 70-run victory on Wednesday with Chris Silverwood earning his first taste of the action after missing the previous four matches with a slight back problem.

Desperate to make an impression after being on the sidelines for the last fortnight, the Yorkshire fast bowler claimed two early wickets after returning captain Nasser Hussain lost his 12th successive toss to allow Zimbabwe to bat first.

The Yorkshire fast bowler made the opening breakthrough off the 12th legitimate delivery of the match, straying down the leg-side with the last ball of his first over and opener Alistair Campbell was given out caught behind off his hip by umpire Graeme Evans.

Campbell was clearly not happy with his dismissal but before he even had time to brood, Silverwood had collected his second wicket with the first ball of his next over with Stuart Carlisle scooping a short delivery high in the air to Mark Ramprakash at third man.

Andy Flower successfully survived the hat-trick ball and with brother Grant playing aggressively at the other end, they added 70 from 99 deliveries although both players survived close run out reprieves.

Grant had made only three when he pushed Silverwood to point and set off for a quick single and would have been left stranded had Paul Collingwood's throw hit the stumps.

Brother Andy also had a close call on 32 when he pushed Jeremy Snape to cover and once again Collingwood failed to hit the stumps, but it was not that costly with Flower top-edging Hollioake high in the air later the same over to allow Nick Knight to run in from square leg to take the catch.